U.S. Rep. Brad Miller of Raleigh is calling for an end to years of federal funding to an aerospace company that is trying to develop a military aircraft that takes off and lands vertically.

Miller, a Democrat, is scheduled to appear tonight on ABC's World News Tonight, which plans to air a report on the DP-2 Aircraft. DuPont Aerospace Co., based in San Diego, is developing the aircraft.

Congressional earmarks have provided $63 million over 20 years for the DP-2, which is the brainchild of aerospace engineer Tony duPont. According to a news release issued today by Miller's office, the aircraft has never flown successfully.

"After 20 years and $63 million dollars, I think Tony duPont needs to find another source of funding rather than the American taxpayer," Miller is quoted in the news release as saying.

Miller is chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of the House Science and Technology Committee. The subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing Tuesday on the DP-2.

The aircraft has suffered from four mishaps in the past four years, and some government experts question the competence and capabilities of duPont Aerospace, according to Miller's office. Miller said a series of Republicans in Congress have worked to ensure funding for the project, despite questions about whether the investment is worthwhile.

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